UNICEF Salt Iodization in Afghanistan

In 2003, Afghanistan embarked on universal salt iodization through a public and private partnership with financial resources from USAID, the government of Japan, and other donors with the goal of eliminating iodine deficiency disorders by ensuring that 90 percent of the households in Afghanistan have access and consume iodized salt. Small-scale salt traders were identified and agreed to form cooperatives that were provided with salt iodization plants. In turn, cooperatives contributed land, buildings, personnel, and operational costs for iodized salt production. This funding continues the support for providing potassium iodate, creating awareness and demand for iodized salt, and providing quality control and monitoring.